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Last week, LaVar Ball caused a bit of controversy when he made what many deemed an inappropriate remark directed at First Take host Molly Qerim.
During the show, Qerim, in an attempt to change the subject said, “LaVar, can I switch gears with you because I have a question here.”
“You can switch gears with me anytime,” LaVar responded.
“Let’s stay focused here,” Qerim, who happens to be married to ESPN personality Jalen Rose, fired back at LaVar while her two co-hosts, Stephen A Smith and Max Kellerman, looked shocked at what had transpired.
LaVar shooting his shot at Molly Qerim during First Take interview? Jalen Rose gonna bust him up lol pic.twitter.com/HeIB9CFIxH
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) June 17, 2019
ESPN would later release a statement condemning LaVar’s remark towards Qerim.
“LaVar Ball’s comment to Molly Qerim Rose was completely inappropriate and we made him aware of that.”
LaVar’s reps issued a statement to deny that Ball was being sexual during his exchange with Qerim.
The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch spoke with someone at ESPN who went on the record to say that the company had no plans to feature LaVar Ball on any of their platforms going forward.
There will be no LaVar Ball on any ESPN platform heading forward — at least as of now. Asked if Ball will be used as an on-air guest, an on-the-record source for digital, or a background source for ESPN, an ESPN spokesperson said,"We have no plans moving forward."
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) June 19, 2019
Someone caught up LaVar Ball outside of the Drew League where his son LaMelo was playing a game last night and LaVar had some pointed words directed at ESPN and Molly Qerim.
LaVar says the only he’ll hit on Molly is if she ever breaks in his house 😂😂😂 #lavarball #lonzoball #mollyqerim pic.twitter.com/ogHHb1zFKQ
— SLEEPERSALLDAY (@sleepersallday) June 22, 2019
How am I going to be banned? I don’t work for them. I’m gonna be banned from ESPN? I got my own show… I made no sexual intent on the fact that, switch gears means change topics her mind in the gutter if she thinks it’s something else, the only time I would hit on her if she’s breaking into my house and I mistake her for the boogeyman.